Spirit Guides Bo Newell

The composition presents a layered scene, seemingly within an interior space that frames a larger painted landscape. The foreground is dominated by a dark wooden surface upon which various objects are arranged: a ceramic vessel adorned with geometric patterns, a folded textile, two canid figures – one grey and one black – a closed book, a candlestick holding a lit candle, a bracelet, and a stylized anthropomorphic figure constructed from what appears to be feathers and wood.
The central focus of the work is the landscape painting itself. Here we see a group of mounted individuals, rendered in a style suggestive of historical depictions of Native American peoples. They are positioned on horseback amidst a mountainous terrain, with a body of water reflecting the light of a prominent moon. An eagle soars above them, adding to the sense of grandeur and spiritual connection to nature. The figures appear to be engaged in some form of procession or ceremonial journey, their attire incorporating feathers and symbolic adornments.
The interplay between the foreground objects and the landscape painting creates a complex visual narrative. The presence of the canids – wolves – is particularly significant; they are often associated with spiritual guidance, protection, and connection to ancestral knowledge within many indigenous cultures. Their placement in the immediate foreground suggests their role as guardians or intermediaries between the viewer and the depicted scene.
The closed book introduces a layer of intellectualism or perhaps suppressed history, while the lit candle symbolizes illumination, both literal and metaphorical – a beacon guiding those on the journey represented in the landscape. The anthropomorphic figure, with its elaborate headdress, further reinforces themes of spirituality and cultural identity.
Subtly, the arrangement suggests a dialogue between different realms: the tangible world of objects, the realm of historical representation, and the intangible sphere of spiritual belief. The framing device – the dark wooden surface – serves to isolate these elements, emphasizing their symbolic weight and inviting contemplation on themes of heritage, tradition, and the relationship between humanity and the natural world.